ZACHARIAS.
Welcome! You come to Rome to take your vow.
RACHIS.
I come to ask your counsel first. My father,
I have no trust in Astolph, he is stubborn,
Heretical, and will bewitch my people
From all allegiance to your holy throne.
I speak of certain danger.
ZACHARIAS.
Ah!
RACHIS.
I love you,
I love the peaceful service of the cell,
And each affection tears me bitterly:
Yet for the sake of keeping my wild hordes
Your servants, I am willing to renounce
The pleasure of the cloister, if your wisdom
Absolve me from my promise and restore me
To Kingship over Astolph.
[He watches Zacharias with the utmost anxiety.]